Apparatus for cleaning tanks and the like



Feb. 4, 1936. Q RjCHARp APPARATUS FOR CLEANING TANKS AND THE LIKE 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 original Filed July 13, 1954 776 -J INVENTO CLAQE Plc/#A120 "ATTORN Fe. 4, N36.

c. RICHARD 2,029,795

AEPARTUS FOR CLEANING TANKS AND THE LIKE Original- Fled July l5, 1.934 2 Sheets- Sheet '2 traverses a certain point in its course.

Patented Feb. 4, `1936 APPARATUS FOR CLEANING TANKS AND THE LIKE `Clare Richard, Los Angeles, Calif., assigner to The Pyrate Corporation of Nevada, a corporation of Nevada Application July 13, 1934, Serial No. 734,937

Renewed August 10, 1935 23 Claims. (Cl. 299-68) This invention has to do in a general way with devices for cleaning tanks and the like. It is more particularly related to improvements in devices of the type disclosed in application Serial N o. 637,028, led jointly by myself and Harold M. Ruth on October l0, 1932, and application Serial No. 672,927 filed by Harold M. Ruth on May 26, 1933, both applications being assigned to the assignee in the present case.

The device contemplated by this invention like the devices disclosed in the two applications referred to above is especially adapted for use in washing the tanks on tank 'cars and in oil tankers of their remaining contents subsequent to draining. The general construction of these devices embodies a so-called vertical feed pipe which is suspended through the dome of the tank by suitable means positioned over the dome opening. This main feed pipe carries on its lower end a rotatable secondary feed pipe or housing adapted to rotate about a vertical axis, such secondary feed pipe carrying a nozzle member which is mounted for rotation about its substantially horizontal axis. Means are provided for rotating the nozzle member about its horizontal axis during the passage of a washing iiuid therethrough and additional means are provided for effecting a Asegmental or step by step rotation of the housing which carries the nozzle member about its vertical axis during the rotation of the nozzle member.

It is an important feature of the device contemplated by this invention, like those of the other applications referred to above, that the housing or secondary feed pipe is held stationary during a sufficient period in the `rotation of the nozzle member to effect a complete cleaningaction on a peripheral circle in the tankssurface.

It is a primary object of the present invention to produce a device of the class described in which the number of the operating parts` and the consequent loss in power due to friction in the bearing surfaces greatly reduced. In line with this object, my invention contemplates an improved mechanism for rotating the housing which carries `the nozzle member, such mechanism being constructed so that each step of rotation inthe housing is received from the liquid jets projected from the nozzle member as it In this manner each step of rotation is imparted to the housing after the complete surface has been covered, regardless of the number of nozzles on the nozzle member. In this connection, it isa further object of my invention to provide,v in theY mechanism which rotates the housing, means for regulatingor governing the increment of rotation of the housing about its vertical axis.

A preferred form of my invention provides means for automatically Varying the increment of rotation from time to time during a single complete rotative movement of the housing about its axis. This provision is made for the purpose of reducing the arc over which the housing rotates and consequently reducing the distance on the surface traversed by the jets between each successive period over which the housing is held stationary during such time as the nozzle members are directed towards the ends of a long tank car.

In another form of my invention I provide adjustable means for varying this increment of rotation. This latter type of construction would probably be more adapted to use in the cleaning of ship tanks and the like where the surfaces are spaced substantially equi-distant from the nozzle member at all points and has the advantage of being adjustable to diierent sizes of tanks.

The cleaner contemplated by this invention further provides for an improved type of nozzle unit which is constructed so as to Yfacilitate its assembly and further reduce leakage into the nozzle bearings and consequent corrosion and Wear therein. This nozzle unit further contemplates means for rotating the nozzle in one direc-V tion independently of the nozzle driving means. Such means permits the placement of the nozzle at any desired position to facilitate its installation and removal from a tank.

In the device contemplated by this invention I provide a turbine member for effecting the rotation of the nozzle member about its horizontal axis. This turbine member is mounted directly upon the housing or secondary feed pipe which carries the nozzle member. My invention further contemplates improvement in the turbine means whereby the speed ofthe nozzle operation can be easily and quickly regulated. My invention further contemplates an improved means for effecting the lubrication of the turbine shaft, such means being provided with an automatic cut-oi which shuts off the supply of lubricant as soon as the pressure liquid or washing fluid is shut oif.

Another object of this invention is to provide,

in a device of the class described, an improved 1 dome spray which does not embody any moving parts but which is so constructed as to reach all parts of a tank dome.

A still further object of my invention is to provide a device of the class described with an improved type of indicator whereby the operator can immediately determine when the tank has been completely cleaned and can further determine at any time to what extent the cleaning has been made.

The details in the construction of a preferred form of my invention together with other objects attending its production will be best understood from the following description of the accompanying drawings which are chosen for illustrative purposes only, and in which Fig. 1 is an elevational View with parts in section showing a preferred formY of my invention suspended through the dome of a tank.

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary side view of the device shown in Fig. 1 and is taken in the general direction of the arrow 2 in that figure.

Fig. 3 is a sectional View taken in the plane represented by the line 3-3 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary section taken in a plane represented by the line 4 4 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 isan enlarged sectional View taken in a plane represented by the line 5-5 in Fig. 1 and illustrating further details in the preferred form of lubricating control means.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged view showing a fragment of the nozzle member illustrated in Fig. 3.

Fig. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary View taken in the general direction of the arrow 'l of Fig. 1.

Fig. 8 is an end elevation taken in the general direction of the arrow S on Fig. 3 and is partly broken away to show further details in the construction of the reservoir which delivers the pressure liquid to the turbine nozzle.

Fig. 9 is a sectional elevation taken in a plane represented by the line 9 9 in Fig. 8.

Fig. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary view showing further details in the construction of the mechanism which is employed for effecting the step by step rotation of the housing.

Fig. il is an end view with parts broken away which may be considered as having been taken in the direction of the arrow l i on Fig. 1U.

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary view more or less diagrammatic in character and illustrating the mechanism whereby I obtain varying increments of movement of the housing for each complete rotation thereof; and

Fig. 13 is an elevational view illustrating a modiied form of mechanism for regulating the throw of the ratchet member or the means for rotating the housing about its vertical axis.

More particuiarly describing the invention as herein illustrated, reference numeral I l indicates the top of a tank or the dome of a tank car which is provided with an opening l2 having a downwardly projecting flange i3. The device contemplated by this invention is generally indicated by reference numeral Hi and consists in a general way of a cover plate or supporting member i5 which carries a vertical main feed pipe l, the lower end of which supports a rotatable secondary feed pipe or housing li which, in turn, is provided with a nozzle assembly E8 'supported so as to rotate about its substantially horizontal axis.

The plate or cover member l5 is locked in place over the opening in the tank or dome by means of a lock-screw it which has a wedge member 2B on its lower end adapted to t under flanges of various widths in openings of various diameters. The plate member i5 is provided with a central opening 2l into which a plurality of webs 22 extend to provide a support for a sleeve member 23. The upper end of the sleeve member 231s provided with a collar 2d which carries an internally threaded nut member 25 provided with a hand wheel 26. The nut member 25 engages threads 27 formed on the outer surface of the main feed pipe I6 and these two elements co-operate to effect vertical adjustment of the main feed pipe and its associated parts relative to the top of the tank.

The top of the main feed pipe is provided with a T-tting 23 to which a conduit 29 is connected for delivering washing fluid under pressure into the main feed pipe. A baffle plate Sii is provided at the lower edge of the web member to 'prevent the splashing of the Washing liquid through the central opening in the main plate and the bottom of the sleeve member 22 is connected to a nipple 3l which, in turn, receives a T-tting 32, such T-tting being connected at its lower end to a second sleeve member 33 which eX- tends a substantial distance down into the tank. The inlet to the T-tting 32 is shown as being connected through a bushing 34 with a steaminlet pipe 35 and the lowei1 end of the sleeve 33 is provided with openings 38 for admitting steam to the tank when desired. Handles 3l' and 3l' are also shown as being provided on the lower end of the sleeve member 33 to facilitate handling the unit.

As has been previously pointed out, the device contemplated by this invention embodies a nozzle member adapted to continuously rotate about a substantially horizontal axis, such nozzle member being rotatably mounted upon a secondary feed pipe or housing which, in turn, receives step by step or intermittent rotation about a substantially vertical axis.

It is an important feature of the present invention that the nozzle member is positively driven by a turbine which, in turn, is operated by the pressure fluid delivered into the system, and the housing or secondary feed pipe is intermittently rotated about its axis through a mechanism which is operated by the jets of power liquid projected from the nozzle member.

The details in the construction of the nozzle unit, Vthe housing and the mechanism for effecting the rotation of these parts will be best understood by reference to Figs. 2 to 13, inclusive. In this form of my invention, the housing ll is shown as comprising a casting 40 which has a vertical conduit-section QI which, in turn, receives the extreme lower end of the main feed pipe I6.

The lower end of the conduit section it! is provided with an inwardly projecting annular shoulder 33. Reference numeral 43 indicates packing material which is interposed between the shoulder 43 and the bottom of the main feed pipe. The top of the section 3l is provided with an enlargement M which receives an annular flange 55, such flange supporting roller bearings i6 which, in turn, are engaged by a ring nut di mounted in threaded engagement with the enlargement 44. The bearing just described constitutes a. rotatable support for the housing on the main feed pipe l5. The bottom of the conduit section lil is provided with a transverse passage MT, one side of which is threaded to receive a nozzle feed pipe or hollow axle 58. The axle 48 is threaded at its outer end to receive a bearing nut 5i) which acts to hold a nozzle hub member 5I on the hollow axle. The interior of the nozzle hub member 5| is provided with flanges 52 and roller bearings 53 are interposed between such flanges and the co-operating bearing surfaces` on the hollow axle. Reference numeral 55 indicates a nozzle member shown as being provided with two diametrically opposed nozzles 56 and 56. This nozzle member is secured tothe nozzle hub member through the medium of flanges 51 and 51 and screws 58 extending into the nozzle member. The nozzle member has a central passage 68 situated in alinement with the hollow passage through the hollow axle or nozzle feed pipe 48, and has a bearing face surrounding such passage which bears against the end face o-n the hollow axle.

For the purpose of reducing leakage into the hub member to a minimum I provide the nozzle member in this form of my invention with an annular groove 6| surrounding the passage 68, such groove containing a ring 62 which is adapted to be forced into pressure engagement with the bearing face on the end of the hollow axle by means of pressure uid entering the groove 6| through ports 63.

The nozzle member and its associated parts constituting the nozzleassembly I8 are adapted to be driven thro-ugh the medium of a gear 65 which, in order to permit the manual rotation of the nozzle member, is loosely mounted upon the hub and imparts its rotation thereto through the medium of pawls S1 pressed inwardly by springs 66 which are mounted within chambers 68 formed in an annular flange 69 on the gear 65. These pawls engage ratchet notches 51 formed in the nozzle hub 5|. The gear and its associated parts are shown as being protected by a gear protecting housing 18 formed integrally with the housing I1.

The gear which in this instance is in the nature of a worm wheel is adapted to be driven by a worm Wheel 1| mounted upon a worm shaft 12 which extends through a suitable bearing 13 in the protecting housing 18 and is provided on its other end with a worm wheel 14, IIhe worm wheel 14 is engaged by a worm 15 mounted on the end of a turbine shaft 16 which extends through a boss 11 formed on the housing I1. This turbine shaft is mounted in roller bearings generally indicated by reference numeral 18 and carries on its opposite end a turbine wheel indicated by reference numeral 19. The turbine wheel 19 is protected by a turbine housing 88 and is adapted to be driven by jets of power liquid projected from nozzle members indicated at 82 and 83. The nozzles members 82 and 83 are mounted for vertical and longitudinal adjustment in nozzle housings which are also shown as being cast integrally with the main housing I1.

The details in the mounting of the turbine nozzles 82 and 83 are best illustrated in Fig. 9 where the nozzle members are shown as having an undercut portion 84 situated opposite a setscrew 85 extending through the wall of the turbine nozzle housing. By constructing the turbine nozzles in this manner I am enabled to effect both lateral and longitudinal adjustments, thereby obtaining an accurate control over the speed o-f the unit.

The power liquid for operating the turbine is delivered to the turbine nozzle through conduits 86 and 81 which lead to what I may term a turbine nozzle supply reservoir 89 which is formed on the end of the transverse passage IIT opposite the nozzle assembly, and is provided with a closure plug 98. In order to prevent the admission of sediment etc. into turbine nozzle passages I provide a screen 9| which ts against shoulder 92 formed in the outer end of the transverse passage MT, such screen being held against the shoulder 92 by means of a projecting flange 93 on the closure plug 98. This construction provides an annular chamber 95 surrounding the reservoir between the screen 9| and the plug 98. Liquid is delivered into the annular chamber 95 through ports 96 in the ange 93, and the conduits 86 and 81 are mounted in the wall of the annular chamber as is clearly illustrated by the broken away section of Fig. 8.

It will be seen from the construction so far described that when a pressure liquid is delivered into the main feed conduit, such liquid passes downwardly into the housing and through the nozzle member. ried by the conduits 86 and 81 to the turbine nozzles where it is impinged upon the vanes of the. turbine Wheel, thereby effecting its rotation and consequently rotating the nozzle member through the associated shafts, worms and the nozzle tube.

It was previously pointed out as one object of this invention to provide means for insuring lubrication of the turbine shaft, such means being associated with an automatic valve cut-off whereby the supply of lubricant is stopped when the device is not in operation. In this form of my invention the lubricating system comprises a visible reservoir |88 which is situated outside of the main feed shaft and at a point where it can always bc inspected by the operator. The lubricant reservoir is mounted on the top of a lubricant feed pipe I8| which extends downwardly through a packing gland in the top of the T-fitting 28 to a point at the bottom of the housing I 1 where it is received in a threaded opening |82, such opening extending clear through the bottom of the housing and receiving a second conduit |83 in its lower end. The pipe or conduit |83 extends upwardly to a bushing |84 which is received in an enlarged opening |85 formed in a cap member |86 which is secured to a boss I 81 formed on the face of the main housing I1 through the medium of screws |88. The inner end of the chamber |85 is provided with a valve seat I 8 against which a ball valve II I is pressed by means of a compression spring |I2. The ball valve I I I, when in its normal position, is eiective to close a passage I I 3 which extends through the shaft and communicates with a groove II1 extending upwardly through a transverse passage |I8 leading to the turbine shaft. The passage |I3 is provided with a grooved or flat-sided pin |28, the inner of which bears against a diaphragm I2I interposed between the cap |86 and the boss |81. The diaphragm is held in spaced relation with the boss and the cap by means of washers |23 which have openings therein forming part of the passage I I8. Pressure liquid from the washing system is delivered against the diaphragm through a conduit |24 formed in the turbine housing 82', a second conduit |25 formed in the casting andleading upwardly therefrom and a third conduit |26 communicating directly with the face of the boss.

It will be seen from this construction that as soon as pressure liquid enters the system some of such liquid will pass through the conduits just recited applying pressure to the diaphragm, thereby forcing the pin I I3 to the left, pushing the valve off its seat and admitting the passage of lubricant along the iiat face or the groove in the pin into the ducts communicating with the turbine shaft.

As has been previously pointed out the segmental or step by step rotation of the housing about its vertical axis in this form of my invention is effected through the medium of the jets of pressure liquid projected from the nozzle. This A portion of such liquid is car- Civ operation is obtained through the medium of what I may term a vane member |30 which is loosely mounted upon a ratchet and Worm shaft 13| which, in turn, is carried by bearings |32 in a standard |34 mounted upon the main housing |1, the vane member being positioned so that it extends substantially across the plane of rotation of the nozzle member I8. As is clearly illustrated in Fig. 11, the vane member |33 is of relatively narrow construction and is shown as being wedge shaped on its lower surface. The ratchet and worm shaft |3| carries a ratchet wheel |36 which is situated adjacent to the vane member |33. Such ratchet wheel is engaged b-y a pawl member |31 pivotally mounted upon the side of the vane member and pressed downwardly toward the ratchet wheel by means of a spring |38. A lock or retaining pawl |39v is shown as being mounted upon a pin |53 which is screwed into the. face of the standard |33. The outer end of the Worm and ratchet shaft |31 is provided'with a worm |42, such worm engaging a worm wheel |43 which is rigidly mounted upon the main feed pipe above the bearing for the rotatable housing or secondary feed pipe. The mechanism just described is provided with a protecting sheath mounted upon the. top of the housing |1.

It will be seen that, during the operation of the unit, as each nozzle traverses a point beneath the vane |33, the jet projected from that nozzle will react upon the vane, pushing the same upward, thereby throwing the ratchet wheel, rotating the worm and effecting a segment of rotation of the entire housing and its associated parts about the worm wheel |43, the extent of such rotation being dependent upon the throw of the ratchet wheel. It was previously pointed out as one object of this invention to provide, in a mechanism of the class just described, means for varying the segment of rotation from time to time during a complete rotation of the housing about its In the form of my invention shown in Figs. l to l2, inclusive, I accomplish this last objective by providing on the lower forward end of the vane member a shoulder boss |53. Immediately below the forward end of this shoulder boss |55 I provide a vertically reciproeating stop pin |5I, which is slidably mounted in a projection |52 and is pivotally attached at its lower end to a lever member |53, such member being pivoted to the housing through the medium of a screw |54. The other end of the lever member is pivotally attached to the lower end of what I may term a cam operated plunger |55, the upper end of which is provided with a roller or follower |56 which is pressed upwardly against a face cam |51, formed integrally with the main feed pipe below the worm wheel m3, by a compression spring |56.

In the form shown, the face cam |51 has two levels Ll and L2 and it will be seen that when the follower is bearing upon the level L2 the stop is lifted a substantial distance beyond what it was when the follower was bearing upon the level L|. Thus it will be seen that the throw of the ratchet and the consequent segment of rotation in the housing will be reduced during such time as the follower engages the lever L2. In mounting a device of this character in a tank car it will be customary to so position the cam so that the throw is reduced when the nozzles are directed towards the end portions of the car, thereby reducing the arc traversed by the stream and compensating for the greater distance over which the stream must travel before it reaches the surface to be washed.

It will be observed as a distinct advantage of this device that the housing is given a segment of rotation each time the periphery of the tank has been traversed by the washing stream regardless of the number of nozzles on the nozzle member.

In order to effect a complete and thorough cleaning of the dome during the operation of a device of this character in a tank car, I provide upon the sleeve 33, directly above the nozzle assembly, a cone or deflecting member |53 which is upwardly divergent so that a portion of the nozzle stream as it traverses its upward course is directed into the roof of the dome. In addition to this cone or delecting member I provide, for the purpose of washing the walls of the dome, a plurality of dome washing nozzles li which are shown as being mounted in an annular wall section |62 which in turn is secured by welding or in any other cuitable manner to the sleeve |33 so as to form a closed chamber about such sleeve. Washing liquid is delivered into this enclosed chamber, indicated by reference numeral |53, through an auxiliary conduit lfl which, in turn, is connected through a suitable conduit |65 with the T-tting 28 on the top of the main feed conduit.

It was also pointed out as one object of this invention to provide an improved indicator whereby the operator could determine to just what extent the washing operation has been carried and could also determine when the tank had been completely cleansed. In this form of my invention, the indicator is shown as comprising a short shaft |10, slidably and rotatably mounted in a suitable bracket ill which is secured to the top of the main feed conduit. lThe outer end of this short shaft is provided with a needle |12 which rotates against a disk |13 and is provided with a knurled knob |14 to facilitate its being set. The inner end of the short shaft is provided with a pinion |14 which engages another pinion |15, preferably of the same size as the rst, the latter pinion being rigidly secured to the oil feed conduit |53. It will be understood, from the manner of mounting the oil feed conduit, that such conduit rotates directly with. the housing and as it rotates it will obviously rotate the needle |12, the gears being in the same ratio, one complete rotation of the needle indicating that the housing has turned through 360 thereby completely cleansing the interior of the tank. The pinion |14 is held in mesh with the pinion |15 by means of a compression spring |16 and it will be seen that this construction permits withdrawing the gears from mesh and setting the needle at a predetermined point.

For the purpose of handling the unit and to protect the oil reservoir and associated parts, I provide the top of the main feed conduit with an upwardly extending stirrup |11. Reference numeral |18 indicates a downwardly projecting pin or leg which is used to support the unit when it is not in use.

In Fig. 13 I show a modified form of' control means whereby the segmental rotation in the housing can be adjusted at will for any pre-determined arc. In this gure all of the elements similar to those shown in Fig. 10 are indicated by the same reference numerals distinguished by the letter a, The main distinction between this form of my invention and that shown in Fig. l0 resides in the stop member |5|a which is adapted to be engaged by the stop shoulder |5011 on the vane member for limiting the throw of the ratchet. In this latter form of my invention, the stop Ila is formed on the `upper end of a screw |80, such screw being provided with a lock nut l8| to hold it in the desired position of adjustment.

It will be apparent from the foregoing description that my invention contemplates a construction which permits the mounting of all rotating parts on roller bearings, reduces the number of moving parts below that in either of the applications referred to in the first part of this specification and thereby greatly increases the ease with which the device may be operated and controlled. It is to be understood that, while I have herein illustrated one preferred form of my invention, the invention is not limited to the precise construction disclosed herein but includes within its scope whatever changes fairly `come within the spirit of the appended claims.

I claim as my invention: 4

l. A tank cleaning device of the class described embodying: a main feed pipe; means for vertically supporting said main feed pipe; a. secondary feed conduit rotatably mounted on the lower end of said main feed pipe; a nozzle feed pipe mounted on said secondary feed conduit at an angle thereto; a nozzle member rotatably mounted on said nozzle feed pipe; a liquid motor supported by said secondary feed conduit and rotatable therewith; means for delivering power liquid to the motor from said secondary feed conduit; means operated by said liquid motor for rotating said nozzle member on said nozzle feed pipe; and means intermittently operated by a liquid jet projected from said nozzle member for effecting step by step rotation of said secondary feed conduit on said main feed pipe. v

2. A tank cleaning device of the class described embodying: a main feed pipe; means for vertically supporting 'said main feed pipe; a secondary feed conduit rotatably mounted on the lower end of said main feed pipe; a nozzle feed pipe mounted on said secondary feed conduit at an angle thereto; a nozzle member rotatably mounted on said nozzle feed pipe; a liquid motor supported by said secondary feed conduit and rotatable therewith; means for delivering power liquid to the motor from said secondary feed conduit; means operated by said liquid motor for rotating said nozzle member on said nozzle feed pipe; and ratchet means intermittently operated by a liquid jet projected from said nozzle member for effecting step by step rotation of said secondary feed conduit on said main feed pipe.

3. A tank cleaning device of the class described embodying: a main feed pipe; means for vertically supporting said main feed pipe; a secondary feed conduit rotatably mounted on the lower end of said main feed pipe; a nozzle feed pipe mounted on said secondary feed conduit at an angle thereto; a nozzle member rotatably mounted on said nozzle feed pipe; a liquid motor supported by said secondary feed conduit and rotatable therewith; means for delivering power liquid to the motor from said secondary feed conduit; means operated by said liquid motor for rotating said nozzle member on said nozzle feed pipe; means intermittently operated by a liquid jet projected from said nozzle member for effecting step by step rotation of said secondary feed conduit on said main. feed pipe'said last mentioned means including a Vane pivotally mounted on said secondary feed conduit and extending across ed on said secondary feed conduit at an angle thereto; a nozzle member rotatably mounted on said nozzle feed pipe; a liquid motor supported by said secondary feed conduit and rotatable herewith; means for delivering power liquid to the motor from said secondary feed conduit; means operated by said liquid motor for rotating said nozzle member on said nozzle feed pipe; means intermittently operated by a liquid jet projected from said nozzle member for effecting step by step rotation of said secondary feed conduit on said main feed pipe; said last mentioned means including a vane pivotally mounted on said secondary feed conduit and extending across the plane of rotation of said nozzle member; a pawl member mounted on said vane, a ratchet wheel rotatably supported by said secondary feed conduit and engaged by said pawl, and means actuated by said ratchet wheel for imparting segmental rotation to said secondary feed conduit.

5. A tank cleaning device of the class described embodying: a main feed pipe; means for vertically supporting said main feed pipe; a secondary feed conduit rotatably mounted on the lower end of said main feed pipe; a nozzle feed pipe mounted on said secondary feed conduit at an angle thereto; a nozzle member rotatably mounted on said nozzle feed pipe; a liquid motor supported by said secondary feed conduit and rotatable therewith; means for delivering power liquid to the motor from said secondary feed conduit; means operated by said liquid motor for rotating said nozzle member on said nozzle feed pipe; means intermittently operated by a liquid jet projected from said nozzle member for effectingv step by step rotation of said secondary feed conduit on said main feed pipe; said last mentioned means including a vane pivotally mounted on said secondary feed conduit and extending across the plane of rotation of said nozzle member, a pawl member mounted onl said vane, a ratchet wheel engaging said pawl member, a shaft supported by said secondary feed conduit carrying said ratchet wheel, a worm on said shaft, and a Worm wheel rigidly mounted on said main feed conduit engaging said worm.

6. A tank cleaning device of the class described embodying: a main feed pipe; means for vertically supporting sai-d main feed pipe; a secondary feed conduit rotatably mounted on the lower end of said main feed pipe; a nozzle feed pipe mounted on said secondary feed conduit at an angle thereto; a nozzle member rotatably mounted on said nozzle feed pipe; means for rotating said nozzle member on said nozzle feed pipe; and means intermittently operated by a liquid jet projected from said nozzle member for effecting step by step rotation of said secondary feed conduit on said main feed pipe.

7. A tank cleaning device of the class described embodying: a nozzle member; housing means rotatably supporting said nozzle member for rotation about a substantially horizontal axis;

Vmeans rotatably supporting said housing for rotation about a vertical axis; means for rotating said nozzle member and means intermittently operated by a liquid jet projected from said nozzle member for effecting step by step rotation of said housing on its supporting means.

8. AY tank cleaning device of the class described embodying: a nozzle member; a housing communicating internally With said nozzle member and supporting same for rotation about a substantially horizontal axis; a main feed conduit communicating internally With said housing and supporting same for rotation about a substantially vertical axis; means for rotating said nozzle member about its axis; and ratchet means intermittently actuated by a liquid jet projected from said nozzle member for effecting step by step rotation of said housing about its axis.

9. A tank cleaning device of the class described embodying: a nozzle member; a housing communicating internally with said nozzle member and supporting same for rotation about a substantially horizontal axis; a main feed conduit communicating internally with said housing and supporting same for rotation about a substantially vertical axis; means for, rotating said nozzle member about its axis; and means intermittently actuated by a liquid jet projected from said nozzle member for effecting step by step rotation of said housing about its axis; said last mentioned means including a vane pivoted to said housing and extending across the plane of rotation of said nozzle member, ratchet means operably associated with said vane, and means operated by said ratchet means for imparting segmental rotation to said housing.

10. A tank cleaning device of the class described embodying: a nozzle member; a housing communicating internally with said nozzle member and supporting same for rotation about a substantially horizontal axis; a main feed conduit communicating internally with said housing and supporting same for rotation about a substantially vertical axis; means for rotating said nozzle member about its axis; and means intermittently actuated by a liquid jet projected from said nozzle member for effecting step by step rotation of said housing about its axis; said last mentioned means including a vane pivoted to said housing and extending across the plane of rotation of said nozzle member, a pawl member mounted on said vane, a ratchet Wheel rotatably supported by said housing and engaged by said pawl, and means actuated by said ratchet Wheel for imparting segmental rotation to said housing relative to said main feed conduit.

11. A tank cleaning device of the class described embodying: a nozzle member; a housing communicating internally with said nozzle member and supporting same for rotation about a substantially horizontal axis; a main feed conduit communicating internally With said housing andsupporting same for rotation about a substantially vertical axis; means for rotating said nozzle member about its axis; and means intermittently actuated by a liquid jet projected from said nozzle member for effecting step by step rotation of said housing about its axis; said last mentioned Vmeans including a vane pivotally mounted on said housing and extending across the plane of rotation of said nozzle member, a paWl member mounted on said vane, a ratchet Wheel engaging said pawl, a shaft secured to said ratchet wheel, bearing means on said housing supporting said shaft, a Worm on said shaft, and a Worm Wheel rigidly mounted on said main feed conduit engaging said Worm.

12. VA tank cleaning device of the class de-v scribed-embodying: a nozzle member; a housing communicating internally with said nozzle member and supporting same for rotation about a substantially horizontal axis; means for rotating said nozzle member about its axis; a main feed conduit communicating internally with said housing and supporting same for rotation about a substantially vertical axis; ratchet means intermittently actuated by a liquid jet projected from said nozzle member for effecting step by step rotation of said housing about its axis; and means associated with said ratchet means for automatically varying the rotative increments of said housing over predetermined intervals in a single rotation thereof.

13. A tank cleaning device -of the class described embodying: a nozzle member; a housing communicating internally with said nozzle member and supporting same for rotation about a i substantially horizontal axis; means for rotating said nozzle member; a main feed conduit coinmunicating internally with said housing and supporting same fo-r rotation about a substantially vertical axis; means intermittently actuated by a liquid jet projected from said nozzle member for effecting step by step rotation of said housing about its axis comprising a vane pivoted to said housing and extending across the plane of rotation of said nozzle member, a pawl mounted on said vane, a shaft rotatably mounted on said housing adjacent said paWl, a ratchet Wheel on said shaft engaged by said paWl, a Worm on said shaft, and a Worm Wheel rigidly mounted on said main feed conduit engaging said Worm; and means for automatically varying the rotative increment of said housing over predetermined intervals in a single rotation thereof comprising a shoulder on said vane member, a stop member slidably mounted in said housing for engaging with said shoulder, a face cam rigidly secured to said main feed pipe, a follower slidably mounted in said housing and engaging said cam, and lever means interconnecting said follower and said stop member.

14. A tank cleaning device of the class de- L- scribed embodying: a nozzle member; a housing communicating internally with said nozzle meinber and supporting same for rotation about a substantially horizontal axis; means for rotating said nozzle member about its axis; a main feed conduit communicating internally with said housing and supporting same for rotation about a substantially vertical axis; ratchet means intermittently actuated by a liquid jet projected from said nozzle member for effecting step by step rotation of said housing about its axis; and stop means for limiting the throw of said ratchet means, thereby controlling the increment of rotation of said housing.

15. A tank cleaning device of the class described embodying: a nozzle member; a housing communicating internally with said nozzle mer ber and supporting same for rotation about a substantially horizontal axis; means for rotating said nozzle member about its axis; a :nain feed conduit communicating internally with said nousing and supporting same for rotation about a substantially vertical axis; ratchet means intermittently actuated by a liquid jet projected from said nozzle member for effecting step by step rotation of said housing about its axis; and adjustable stop means for limiting the throw of said ratchet means, thereby controlling the increment of rotation of said housing.

16. For use in a tank cleaning device of the class described, the combination of: a nozzle member; a housing having a passage therethrough communicating with said nozzle member and supporting same for rotation about a substantially horizontal axis; means for delivering a pressure liquid into said housing; a turbine wheel rotatably mounted on said housing; means operated by said turbine wheel for driving said nozzle member; a turbine nozzle positioned to direct a liquid jet against the vanes in said turbine wheel; and means for delivering pressure liquid from said housing to said turbine no-zzle i comprising a reservoir communicating internally with the passage through said housing, a strainer mounted in the entrance to said reservoir, and a conduit leading from said reservoir to said turbine nozzle.

17. For use in a tank cleaning device of the class described, the combination of: a nozzle member; a housing having a passage therethrough communicating with said nozzle member and supporting same for rotation about a substantially horizontal axis; means for delivering a pressure liquid into said housing; a turbine wheel rotatably mounted on said housing; means operated by said turbine wheel for driving said nozzle member; a turbine nozzle adjustably mounted on said housing adjacent said turbine wheel for directing a liquid jet against the vanes thereof; and conduit means for delivering pressure liquid from said housing to said turbine nozzle.

18. For use in a tank cleaning device of the class described, the combination of 4a nozzle member; a housing `communicating internally with said nozzle member and supporting same for rotation about a substantially horizontal axis; means for delivering a pressure liquid into said housing; a turbine shaft; bearing means on said housing supporting said shaft; aturbine wheel on said shaft; means for delivering pressure liquid from said housing to said turbine wheel for driving same; gear means associated with said shaft for driving said nozzle member; and means for delivering oil to said shaft during the operation of said turbine comprising an oil reservoir, a conduit for delivering oil from said reservoir to said shaft, a valve in said conduit, yieldable means for normally holding said valve closed, and means automatically operated by pressure fluid from said housing for opening said valve.

19. For use in a tank cleaning device of the class described, the combination of: a nozzle member; a housing communicating internally with said nozzle member and supporting same for rotation about a substantially horizontal axis; means for delivering a pressure liquid into said housing; a turbine shaft; bearing means on said housing supporting said shaft; a turbine wheel on said shaft; means for delivering pressure liquid from said 4housing to said turbine wheel for driving same; gear means associated with said shaft for driving said nozzle member; and means for delivering oil to` said shaft during the operation of said turbine comprising an oil reservoir, a conduit for delivering oil from said reser- Voir to said shaft, a valve in said conduit, yieldable means for normally holding said valve closed, and means comprising a diaphragm actuated by pressure iiuid from said housing and a pin interposed between said diaphragm and said valve for automatically opening said valve when pressure fluid is in said housing.

20. For use in a tank cleaning device of the class described, a nozzle unit embodying: a hollow axle; a bearing flange on the inner end of said hollow axle; a hub member on said hollow axle; a bearing nut on the outer end of said hollow axle; anti-friction bearings interposed between said bearing flange, said bearing nut and said hub member; flange means on the outer end of said hub member; and a nozzle member secured to said ilange means, said nozzle member having a central opening communicating with the passage through said hollow axle.

21. For use in a tank cleaning device of the class described, a nozzle unit embodying: a hollow axle; a bearing flange on the inner end of said hollow axle; a hub member on said hollow axle; a bearing nut on the outer end of said hollow axle; anti-friction bearings interposed between said bearing ange said bearing nut and said hub member; flange means on the outer end of said hub member; a nozzle member secured to said ilange means, said nozzle member having a central opening communicating with the passage through said hollow axle; and a bearing face engaging the end face of said hollow axle.

22. For use in a tank cleaning device' of the class described, a nozzle unit embodying: a hollow axle; a bearing flange on the inner end of said hollow axle; a hub member on said hollow axle; a bearing nut on the outer end of said hol low axle; anti-friction bearings interposed between said bearing flange said bearing nut and said hub member; ilange means on the outer end of said hub member; a nozzle member secured to said ilange means, said nozzle member having a central opening communicating with the passage through said hollow axle and an annular groove in its inner face opposite the outer end face on said hollow axle; a bearing ring in said annular groove; and ports leading from said annular grove to the interior of saidnozzle member for applying pressure fluid to said bearing ring.

23. For use in a tank cleaning device of the class described, a nozzle unit embodying: a hollow axle; a bearing ange on the inner end of said hollow axle; a hub member on said hollow axle; a bearing nut on the outer end of said hollow axle; anti-friction bearings interposed between said bearing flange said bearing nut and said hub member; flange means on the outer end of said hub member; a nozzle member secured to said flange means, said nozzle member having a central opening communicating with the passage through said hollow axle; a gear member rotatably mounted on the inner end of said hub; and ratchet means interposed between said gear and said hub and forming a uni-directional lock therebetween.

CLARE RICHARD. 

